GOV OTTI WILL NOT LEAVE LABOUR PARTY - AIDE INSISTS DURING MEDIA CONNECT WITH ABIA MEDIA EXECUTIVES

Ferdinand Ekeoma, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Abia State Governor

The newly formed Abia Radio and Television Executives (ARTEX) has hosted its maiden Media Connect forum in Abia State, bringing together broadcast media leaders and government communicators in a strategic engagement aimed at strengthening governance through effective media relations.

The session featured Ferdinand Ekeoma, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, as guest speaker. The interactive forum was designed to bridge the communication gap between the Abia State Government and the people through the effective use of radio and television as tools for public enlightenment, accountability, and development.

During the engagement, Ekeoma reaffirmed the Otti administration’s commitment to transparency, openness, and people-centred governance, stressing that effective communication remains critical to building public trust. He described the media as indispensable partners in governance and development, noting that accurate reporting and constructive engagement are essential for deepening democracy in the state.

Responding to questions on political developments within the Labour Party and speculations that Governor Otti may be considering a move to another political platform, Ekeoma dismissed such claims, stating that the governor remains firmly committed to the Labour Party on whose platform he was elected. He emphasized that the administration is focused on governance and service delivery rather than political distractions, adding that internal party issues would not derail the mandate given to the government by the people of Abia State.

Ekeoma also reacted to criticisms alleging that the Otti administration is merely repainting roads without undertaking substantive infrastructure development. He clarified that ongoing road projects across the state involve extensive rehabilitation and reconstruction works, including proper drainage systems and structural improvements, aimed at long-term durability rather than cosmetic enhancement.

Addressing concerns about the Abia State Government House, Ekeoma explained that Governor Otti currently operates from his private residence due to the state of disrepair of the Government House inherited by the administration. He noted that the facility was found to be unfit for immediate use, requiring extensive renovation and structural work to meet basic standards for governance and security.

According to him, the decision for the governor to work from his home was guided by prudence and fiscal responsibility, pending comprehensive rehabilitation of the Government House. He added that the administration is committed to restoring the facility in a manner that reflects transparency, value for money, and respect for public resources.

The Media Connect provided an opportunity for ARTEX members to raise concerns relating to access to information, government responsiveness, policy communication gaps, and the need for regular, structured engagement between government officials and broadcast media organisations. Participants also discussed the challenges faced by radio and television stations in balancing commercial pressures with public interest broadcasting.

In response, Ekeoma assured members of ARTEX of the government’s readiness to sustain open lines of communication, promising improved access to verified information, timely responses to media inquiries, and collaboration on public interest campaigns that promote civic responsibility and public awareness of government programmes.

The leadership of the Abia Radio and Television Executives described the session as timely and impactful, noting that the Media Connect initiative would be sustained as a regular forum for dialogue between media professionals and policymakers. They reaffirmed their commitment to ethical journalism, professionalism, and the use of broadcast platforms to amplify credible information that supports development and social cohesion in Abia State.

The session ended with a consensus on the need for continuous engagement, capacity building for media practitioners, and sustained collaboration to ensure that governance in Abia State remains transparent, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of the people.